Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Electricity

Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System

  • 15,000 E-Bike Rebates Provided By Ava Community Energy

    The benefits of e-bikes in reducing carbon emissions and providing a practical alternative to car trips are highlighted in the article. Ava Community Energy's e-bike program supports local businesses and aims to make clean energy more accessible. E-bikes are becoming a popular choice for households due to their affordability, low maintenance costs, and environmental benefits. The upcoming E-bike Test & Ride event on June 27th at Coliseum BART Station, in partnership with Bike East Bay, aims to provide residents with a hands-on opportunity to experience e-bikes before making a purchase decision. Ava has dispersed 15,021 rebates, with 26% going to income-qualified customers, and customers can choose between Ava and PG&E for electricity generation, with Ava offering service plans that draw primarily from renewable sources.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/13/15000-e-bike-rebates-provided-by-ava-community-energy/

  • Santa Marta was a learning moment for how to shape inclusive just transitions

    The Global Conference on Transitioning away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta emphasized the need for science-based evidence and practical action to address the impacts of fossil fuel dependence. Recommendations included stronger collaborative governance, support for local actors, and redesigning regulatory frameworks to prioritize social and justice programs. The event highlighted the importance of transitioning to renewable energy while ensuring financial resources are directed where they are most needed. The section also emphasized the importance of including local communities, social dialogue, and public participation in Just Transition strategies, with a focus on concrete action, binding commitments, and finance prioritizing people and the planet to achieve socially just and locally relevant transition strategies.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/05/11/santa-marta-was-a-learning-moment-for-how-to-shape-inclusive-just-transitions/

  • Signify: “We believe resilience is becoming more important to businesses right now”

    Signify, a global lighting company, has launched a new sustainability program called "Brighter Lives, Better World 2030" aimed at reducing environmental impact by improving energy efficiency, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting the circular economy. The program focuses on increasing revenue from solutions that support benefits beyond illumination, such as efficient food production and solar lighting, while saving electricity for customers, reducing CO2 emissions intensity, and growing its circular product business. The company is committed to reaching its sustainability targets despite challenges in the political landscape, with a focus on resilience in businesses, decarbonization, circular solutions, and coping with changing market circumstances. Signify's program is informed by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, with a goal of saving 60 TWh of electricity for customers and expanding commitments to achieve a decoupling of economic growth from natural resource use through the circular economy.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/05/11/signify-we-believe-resilience-is-becoming-more-important-to-businesses-right-now/

  • Hybrid tidal-photovoltaic system for modular renewables deployment in estuarine channels

    Researchers in Brazil have developed a hybrid tidal-PV floating farm concept for estuarine channels, analyzing wake effects, turbine spacing, and energy trade-offs. Integrating PV with hydrokinetic turbines improves energy yield by offsetting wake-related losses and optimizing farm configurations. The study focused on the Boqueirão Channel, with tidal ranges above 6m and current velocities exceeding 2.5m/s. Results show that greater turbine spacing allows for better wake recovery and higher energy yield, but creates a trade-off between energy yield and installed capacity. To address this, solar panels were installed on top of each turbine on a floating platform to maximize energy production. Simulation studies showed that increasing the number of columns in the farm layout resulted in higher energy generation and varying levelized costs of energy. The integration of photovoltaic generation helped compensate for energy losses from downstream turbines, improving overall productivity. The study concludes that hybrid systems are a technically feasible and economically promising solution for renewable energy deployment in estuarine channels.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/11/hybrid-tidal-photovoltaic-system-for-modular-renewables-deployment-in-estuarine-channels/

  • Adani adds 150 MW solar capacity to Khavda 30 GW renewable energy park

    Adani Green Energy has commissioned a 150 MW solar project at the Khavda renewable energy complex in Gujarat, as part of their goal to reach 30 GW by 2029. The park in Khavda aims to be the largest globally, integrating utility-scale solar and wind generation with advanced battery energy storage infrastructure. Despite facing logistical challenges due to the region's saline desert terrain, extreme temperatures, and remote location near the India-Pakistan border, developers stress the importance of extensive transmission infrastructure, high-voltage evacuation systems, and climate-resilient engineering to support the mega-scale deployment.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/11/adani-adds-150-mw-solar-capacity-to-khavda-30-gw-renewable-energy-park/

  • Workforce installs last of 609,522 panels at major new solar and battery project

    The Broadsound solar farm and big battery project in central Queensland, located on Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala People land, is nearing completion with all 609,522 solar panels installed. The project includes a 377 MW solar component and a 180 MW/360 MWh battery, part of Iberdrola Australia's plan to invest between €2 and €3 billion into Australia's clean energy transition. The company aims to build a 4 GW renewable energy portfolio, with additional onshore wind and solar farms in Australia, including the 3 GW Aurora Green Offshore Wind project in Victoria. This project highlights the significant progress being made in transitioning to renewable energy sources to combat climate change.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/workforce-installs-last-of-609522-panels-at-major-new-solar-and-battery-project/

  • Solar Insiders Podcast: The small company taking giant steps to close the energy gap

    Lauren Mellor and Chantelle Johns from Original Power are empowering First Nations communities in the Northern Territory by giving them control over their energy sources and promoting renewable energy solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Their mission aims to address climate change impacts and create sustainable, resilient communities, emphasizing the importance of indigenous-led climate solutions in the fight against climate change.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/solar-insiders-podcast-the-small-company-taking-giant-steps-to-close-the-energy-gap/

  • Firm solar and storage costs fall to $54/MWh, says IRENA

    IRENA's new report highlights the economic and strategic advantages of round-the-clock solar and wind paired with battery storage, showing that they are cheaper than new fossil fuel generation in high-quality resource regions. Firm levelized costs of electricity for solar-plus-storage range from $54/MWh to $82/MWh, compared to $70/MWh to $85/MWh for new coal in China and over $100/MWh for new gas globally. The decreasing capital costs have made dispatchable "anytime" solar electricity commercially viable in regions with high PV potential, allowing for more reliable and consistent renewable energy generation. These advancements in renewable energy systems emphasize their reliability, resilience, and ability to optimize grid connections while reducing price volatility, making them key solutions in the fight against climate change.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/06/firm-solar-and-storage-costs-fall-to-54-mwh-says-irena/

  • A $6.5B geothermal company? Industry eyes tipping point.

    Geothermal company Fervo Energy is aiming for a $6.5 billion valuation in a U.S. IPO, using enhanced geothermal systems technology to extract heat from previously inaccessible rock areas. Fervo is developing a 500-megawatt geothermal power plant in Utah, with plans to expand to 4.3 gigawatts, securing power purchase agreements with major buyers and aiming to deliver power by the end of 2022. Despite obstacles in gaining market traction, Fervo is working to lower costs and increase competitiveness with gas and nuclear power, while legislation supporting geothermal technology moves through Congress. This reflects a broader trend of institutional investors recognizing the financial risks of climate change and seeking opportunities in renewable energy and other climate-friendly sectors, emphasizing the growing importance of climate considerations in investment decisions.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/a-6-5b-geothermal-company-industry-eyes-tipping-point/

  • Huge home batteries inspire “made for Australia” rooftop solar panel, offering more power over less space

    Trina has launched the Vertex S+ 515W rooftop PV module in response to the increasing demand for solar panels in Australia, driven by the record rate of home battery installations. The module offers higher energy yield, greater system capacity, and flexibility in design, catering to the advanced technology needs of the Australian residential and commercial rooftop markets. This innovation coincides with the booming rooftop solar installations in Australia, with the module available for preorder and expected in the third quarter. The 31% increase in solar panels registered nationwide in April marks a positive trend for climate solutions, highlighting the importance of staying informed through sources like Renew Economy to promote accurate information and support for clean energy initiatives.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/huge-home-batteries-inspire-made-for-australia-rooftop-solar-panel-offering-more-power-over-less-space/